Director of Human Resources Policies and Administrative Law Division

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) is the largest United Nations operation in the Middle East, established to provide assistance and protection to Palestine refugees. With over 30,000 staff members, UNRWA operates across five areas of operation, focusing on delivering education, health care, social services, and emergency assistance to some of the most vulnerable communities in the region. The agency is committed to achieving gender parity and creating a diverse and inclusive environment, emphasizing the importance of mutual respect and human rights in its operations.

Job Overview:
The Director of Human Resources Policies and Administrative Law Division (HRPAL) is a senior leadership position responsible for managing the HRPAL division, which plays a crucial role in developing and implementing human resources policies and administrative law frameworks within UNRWA. The incumbent will oversee the planning and coordination of the division's work objectives, ensuring that comprehensive objectives and work plans are established and met. This role requires a proactive approach to identifying and resolving operational and management issues that may affect the quality of services provided by the division. The Director will also be responsible for preparing policy papers and proposals that represent UNRWA's views on various HR issues, ensuring alignment with contemporary UN practices. The position involves significant collaboration with stakeholders across the agency, including field offices and executive management, to ensure consistent application of HR policies and practices.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The incumbent will manage the HRPAL division, ensuring that work objectives are met and operational issues are resolved. Key responsibilities include developing HR policies and procedures, providing guidance on the interpretation and implementation of these policies, and preparing rules and proposals related to HR issues. The Director will lead and direct subordinate staff in handling appeals and grievances, represent HRD in inter-agency meetings, and act on behalf of the Director of Human Resources during their absence. The role also involves keeping abreast of UN issuances and best practices, reviewing and updating the Agency's Staff Rules and Regulations, and providing training to managers and stakeholders on best HR practices. The Director will coordinate with the Department of Legal Affairs on disciplinary processes and ensure that HR policies are consistently applied across the agency.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (master’s or equivalent) in human resources management, public or business administration, law, or a related field. A minimum of ten years of relevant and progressive human resources experience is required, including at least five years in the UN system or in international or governmental institutions at a senior supervisory level. Experience in HR regulatory framework design and staff relations is essential. Candidates must also have a declaration regarding any affiliations that could impact their neutrality and independence in their duties for UNRWA.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (master’s or equivalent) from an accredited institution in human resources management, public or business administration, law, or a related area such as social or behavioral sciences is required. A first-level university degree combined with additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced degree.

Experience:
At least ten years of relevant and progressive human resources experience is required, with a minimum of five years in the UN system or in international or governmental institutions at a senior supervisory level. Candidates must also have at least five years of experience related to HR regulatory framework design, including staff relations and case management. International experience outside the candidate's country of nationality is also required unless already serving as an international staff member in the UN Common System.

Languages:
English is required at UN Level III proficiency, while Arabic is desirable at UN Level I proficiency. The working languages of the United Nations Secretariat are English and French, and candidates should be proficient in English to fulfill the job requirements effectively.

Additional Notes:
This is a UN Regular Budget post with a contract duration of 2 years, with the possibility of further extension. The position is full-time, and UNRWA encourages applications from qualified candidates with disabilities. The agency does not charge any fees during the recruitment process and is committed to maintaining a non-smoking work environment. Candidates must ensure that their applications are fully completed in UNRWA's online e-recruitment system, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further assessment.